EP1799434A2 - Procede de fermeture de cartouches de toner ouvertes remises a neuf - Google Patents

Procede de fermeture de cartouches de toner ouvertes remises a neuf

Info

Publication number
EP1799434A2
EP1799434A2 EP05798696A EP05798696A EP1799434A2 EP 1799434 A2 EP1799434 A2 EP 1799434A2 EP 05798696 A EP05798696 A EP 05798696A EP 05798696 A EP05798696 A EP 05798696A EP 1799434 A2 EP1799434 A2 EP 1799434A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
platen
cartridge
toner cartridge
seal
adhesive
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05798696A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Costa G. Chitouras
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1799434A2 publication Critical patent/EP1799434A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/22—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip
    • B29C65/221—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip characterised by the type of heated wire, resistive ribbon, band or strip
    • B29C65/224—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip characterised by the type of heated wire, resistive ribbon, band or strip being a resistive ribbon, a resistive band or a resistive strip
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/24—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools characterised by the means for heating the tool
    • B29C65/30—Electrical means
    • B29C65/305—Electrical means involving the use of cartridge heaters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/301—Three-dimensional joints, i.e. the joined area being substantially non-flat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/816—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the mounting of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8167—Quick change joining tools or surfaces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/818—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/822—Transmission mechanisms
    • B29C66/8221—Scissor or lever mechanisms, i.e. involving a pivot point
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/822—Transmission mechanisms
    • B29C66/8226—Cam mechanisms; Wedges; Eccentric mechanisms
    • B29C66/82261—Wedges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8324—Joining or pressing tools pivoting around one axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/841—Machines or tools adaptable for making articles of different dimensions or shapes or for making joints of different dimensions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/841—Machines or tools adaptable for making articles of different dimensions or shapes or for making joints of different dimensions
    • B29C66/8412—Machines or tools adaptable for making articles of different dimensions or shapes or for making joints of different dimensions of different length, width or height
    • B29C66/84123—Machines or tools adaptable for making articles of different dimensions or shapes or for making joints of different dimensions of different length, width or height of different height
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/861—Hand-held tools
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0894—Reconditioning of the developer unit, i.e. reusing or recycling parts of the unit, e.g. resealing of the unit before refilling with toner
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/4805—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the type of adhesives
    • B29C65/481—Non-reactive adhesives, e.g. physically hardening adhesives
    • B29C65/4815—Hot melt adhesives, e.g. thermoplastic adhesives
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/4805—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the type of adhesives
    • B29C65/481—Non-reactive adhesives, e.g. physically hardening adhesives
    • B29C65/4825—Pressure sensitive adhesives
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/824—Actuating mechanisms
    • B29C66/8244—Actuating mechanisms magnetically driven
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/767—Printing equipment or accessories therefor

Definitions

  • a device for resealing a toner cartridge includes a base for positioning a split toner cartridge.
  • the split toner cartridge has a toner cartridge surface for receiving a replacement seal and adhesive.
  • a platen having a platen surface is substantially aligned with the toner cartridge surface for receiving the replacement seal and adhesive when the platen is pressed against the toner cartridge surface.
  • the platen includes a portion that varies in elevation over at least part of the platen surface.
  • a platen for resealing a toner cartridge includes a raised surface which corresponds substantially with the toner cartridge surface for receiving a replacement seal and adhesive.
  • the raised surface of the platen varies in elevation over at least a portion of the platen surface.
  • a method for resealing a toner cartridge includes positioning a split toner cartridge in a base.
  • the split toner cartridge has a toner cartridge surface for receiving a replacement seal and adhesive.
  • a seal is positioned with an adhesive attached thereto so that the adhesive is in contact with the toner cartridge surface for receiving the seal and adhesive.
  • a platen having a platen surface that is substantially aligned with the toner cartridge surface for receiving the replacement seal and adhesive is applied. The platen, which includes a portion that varies in elevation over at least part of the platen surface, is pressed against the seal for applying to the toner cartridge, thereby resealing the toner cartridge.
  • the invention further includes a method for resealing a toner cartridge, having its original seal removed, whereby the toner cartridge can be recharged with toner and resealed for shipping, with previously split cartridges usually having remains of adhesive, plastic gaskets or foam of previously installed seals, and, utilizing a seal which may be essentially identical to the original equipment manufacturer's design and similar to the seals used in sealing un-split recharged toner cartridges described in the above indicated patents.
  • the method includes placing a split cartridge into a fixture that preferentially includes a track for precision alignment of a seal with the opening to be sealed in the toner cartridge, placing a seal in this track and sliding it so as to align it with the opening of the cartridge so that the adhesive on the bottom of the seal covers the surfaces of the cartridge that is to be sealed.
  • the fixture also includes a movable heated platen with a contact surface that is lowered onto the seal and adhesive for sealing to the cartridge.
  • the contact surface consists of portions that are curved or non-linear or both and other portions that may be flat, so that, under the relatively low pressure of the platen, continuous contact is made between the platen, seal and cartridge surfaces with only minor and not permanent distortion of the cartridge. Better results occur when the cartridge is constrained and supported by the use of a precision machined or otherwise adjusted support beneath the toner section of the cartridge.
  • the non-linear design of the contact surface of the platen makes possible the use of a single sealing apparatus for multiple toner cartridges of similar size, such as the generally referred to 2100, 2300, 4000, and 4100 toner cartridges.
  • the platen After heating the seal with the platen and melting the adhesive, the platen is raised, allowing the hot-melt adhesive to cool and the cartridge is removed for filling with toner and assembly of other components to the cartridge. While lifting the cartridge from the fixture, a visual inspection is possible to determine a complete seal or a defective one, detected by a telltale change in color (usually black) at all places that the seal and adhesive are glued to the toner surface. In the event the seal indicates a small leak, a hand-held heated tool may be provided, as part of the heated platen, to touch-up the leak.
  • the total time from picking up the cartridge, placing it into the fixture, aligning a seal over the cartridge, lowering the platen for about five seconds and releasing the platen and picking up the cartridge and inspecting it for proper sealing is typically fifteen seconds.
  • This same cartridge is again recycled and is sealed, only a cursory cleaning of the residual toner is necessary.
  • the adhesive remaining on the cartridge melts and is incorporated into the new seal adhesive. While the preferred seal would incorporate a low-temperature, "hot-melt" type adhesive on the seal surface that contacts the cartridge surface to be sealed, this invention may be practiced with the use of other adhesives, e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive, with small variations in the equipment design or usage.
  • the non-linear design of the platen is applicable to the insertion blade of the aforementioned issued patents with the use of solder tabs on the blade, which are machined to varying heights to provide constant contact of the blade to the seal/cartridge surfaces to be sealed, such contact being further assured with the use of pressure forces on various portions of the blade of an insertion tool.
  • An insertable blade for sealing a toner cartridge a plurality of raised pads.
  • the pads can be are formed from solder.
  • a system for applying pressure to an object includes a block.
  • a pin is formed from a magnetic material and is longitudinally slidable through the block and rotatable within the block about its axis. The pin can contact the object.
  • the pin has a handle at the proximate end. The handle is shaped to engage the block and limit passage of the pin through the block.
  • a first magnet is positioned to magnetically engage the pin and hinder longitudinally movement of the pin along the axis.
  • a second magnet is positioned to magnetically engage the handle in place against the block.
  • a toner cartridge resealing device can have a plurality of systems for applying pressure to an insertable blade against a seal and toner cartridge.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred version of a universal split sealer.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a preferred version of the platen for a universal split sealer.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a preferred version of a cartridge restrainer for a universal split sealer.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a preferred version of a heated tool for repairing any unsealed localized portion of an otherwise sealed cartridge.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a preferred version of a 3-D modification to flexible heated tools to generate a multi-curved surface on the thin insertion tools used to practice the processes described in the U.S. Patent 5,370,761 producing results similar to the platen in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 6A is a schematic representation of a preferred version of a pressure system consisting of a pressure pin and magnetic bearing block.
  • FIG. 6B is a sectional view of a preferred version of a pressure pin and magnetic bearing block.
  • FIG. 1 A schematic representation of the preferred apparatus for practicing this invention is shown in FIG. 1. It can be seen that base 100 is attached to seal/cartridge holder 101 into which is machined seal track 102 which is lined up with the cartridge cavity 103. Also attached to base 100 is the heater assembly 104 with the support member(s) 105 and 106 to allow heater assembly 104 to swing down onto the cartridge (not shown) to be sealed, which is supported in the cartridge cavity 103 in the normal operation of this apparatus. Pull-down arm 107 with arm stop(s) 108 is attached to support member(s) 106.
  • hold-down arm 109 with flat spring(s) 110 hold cam(s) 111.
  • the heater assembly 104 rotates about an axis on shaft 112 when pull-down arm 107 is pulled towards and under cams 111. Additional detail design features of platen 113, which is attached to heater assembly 104, as well as top cartridge support(s) 114, which form the top cartridge supports mechanism for cartridge cavity 103 and other preferred modifications and embellishments will be described in subsequent paragraphs and figures below.
  • a method of using this apparatus is as follows.
  • the toner section of a split cartridge is placed into and supported by the cartridge cavity 103.
  • a seal described in the aforementioned issued patents, but typically consisting of a long (e.g., about 58.4 cm or 23 inches), narrow (e.g., about 3.6 cm or 1.425 inches) and thin (e.g., about 0.075 mm or 3 mils) polyester film which is coated with a low-melt- temperature, hot-melt adhesive at least on the underside of the film that contacts the surface of the cartridge that is to be sealed.
  • the surface of the toner cartridge for receiving the seal and adhesive is essentially flat.
  • the seal may also be coated in areas that do not contact the surface of the cartridge that is to be sealed.
  • an adhesive that softens/melts at temperatures typically between about 60°C to 82°C (140°F to 180°F) is preferred so as to be above the recommended storage temperature of the cartridge and below the distortion temperature of the cartridge plastic.
  • This seal is placed in the seal track 102 with the adhesive positioned over the cartridge opening after the cartridge to be sealed is positioned and held firmly in cartridge cavity 103 and supported at top cartridge supports 114.
  • cam(s) 111 ride over pull-down arm 107 resulting in a relatively high force of the platen onto the seal-adhesive-cartridge sandwich, yet requiring little force by the operator because of the action of cam(s) 111.
  • Using a heated platen operating at about 110°C (230°F) and a sealing time of about five seconds is sufficient to melt the adhesive and seal the seal to the cartridge.
  • a platen operating temperature of about 110°C (230 0 F) does not thermally distort the cartridge because the temperature is still below the distortion temperature of the plastic used in cartridges and more importantly, the dwell time of the platen onto the seal/adhesive/cartridge is not sufficient to raise the temperature of the cartridge much above the melt temperature of the adhesive.
  • the apparatus described above satisfies the desires for a simple, reliable, precise and safe, as well as low cost mechanism.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a platen 200 designed for practicing this invention so as to reliably seal, as well as reseal, toner cartridges, and in particular for this example and discussion, four cartridge model types (2100, 2300, 4000 and 4100) with the same apparatus.
  • the short ends 201 of the platen in FIG. 2 may be flat because there is little or no significant distortion in these parts of these cartridges when under the pressure of a heated platen.
  • the long side rails of a cartridge deflect considerably, well beyond the ability of a seal to normally remain in contact with a flat platen and the cartridge-sealing surface.
  • four additional surfaces in addition to the short ends 201 surfaces areas were found to address the distortion/sealing mating issues, although other but similar surface designs for the same cartridges can be designed with equally effective results.
  • the four surfaces are the front arc 202, the hold down bar 203, the first rear arc 204 and the second rear arc 205.
  • the platen 200 is drawn facing upwards so as to see the significant surface designs but, as shown in FIG.l, the platen is utilized facing downwards to press on the seal/adhesive/cartridge. Therefore, the front arc 202 and the hold down bar 203 actually face the operator when using the apparatus in FIG. 1. Also, the proportions of actual arc sizes are greatly exaggerated in FIG. 2 for the purpose of descriptive clarity. The actual dimensions for the platen in question are as follows.
  • front arc 202 reaches a maximum height of 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) above reference
  • hold down bar 203 has a height of 0.75 mm (0.03 inches) above reference
  • first rear arc 204 reaches a maximum height of 0.1.25 mm (0.05 inches) above reference
  • the second rear arc 205 reaches a maximum height of 1.5 mm (0.06 inches) above the zero reference. While these demarcations from a flat platen may appear small, they are important for achieving 100% hermetic sealing.
  • the first rear arc 204 reaches a peak of 1.25 mm (0.05 inches), indicates a match in the deflection of the cartridge surface greater than at the front. This comes about because of the structure of the cartridge as well as the absence of a level of support of the cartridge by those portions of the top cartridge support(s) 114 at the rear of the cartridge, which was designed in this fashion for the practical purpose of accommodating the four different cartridge types.
  • the second rear arc 205 reaches a maximum height of 1.5 mm (0.06 inches) which serves a similar purpose as the hold down bar 203, but which cannot be a straight bar but a curved arc for effectively sealing the cartridge.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of this bottom support 300, which is placed at the bottom of the cartridge cavity 103 in FIG. 1.
  • Bottom support 300 is approximately 1.27 cm high (0.5 inches), 2.54 cm (1 inch) wide and 25.4 cm (10 inches) long, although this length is determined by the length of the cartridges in use.
  • Three tapped holes 301 can be used with threaded studs (not shown) extending through the bottom of bottom support 300 so as to adjust and position the top surface 303 to be a precise distance from the top cartridge support(s) 114 in FIG. 1.
  • the screw clearance holes 302 can be used for the hold down screws (not shown) for holding the bottom support 300 permanently in position after the three threaded studs are adjusted for the proper spacing of top surface 303 to the top cartridge support(s) 114 in FIG. 1.
  • the combination of the three studs in holes 302 and the three screws inserted into screw clearance holes 302 hold the bottom support 300 firmly in place and forms a firm support for the 4000 and 4100 series of cartridges placed within this apparatus.
  • an adapter 350 in FIG. 3 has been designed to be placed over bottom support 300 as shown by the dotted lines.
  • the deflection or distortion experienced by the cartridge to be sealed when placed within the apparatus of FIG. 1 is affected by many factors, but predominantly by the specific characteristics of the cartridge designs, by the platen shapes and dimensions, the specific support system of the cartridge within the apparatus, and, -li ⁇
  • adjustable stops 108 are adjustable and are adjusted to contact hold down-arm 109 and stop further motion of cam(s) 111 over pull-down arm 107, thereby limiting and stabilizing the force applied to the platen against the seal/adhesive/cartridge sandwich. While the apparatus described in this invention is very useful for sealing split cartridges that have been sealed many times before, there is a limit to the ability of this or any equipment to unconditionally seal all previously sealed cartridges with a zero failure rate. In those relatively few instances when a used cartridge does not properly seal at the first attempt, but displays a small "leak" or seal area that is not properly bonded, the use of a heated tool will almost always quickly remedy the failure.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a preferred version of a heated tool 400 for repairing any localized portion of an otherwise sealed cartridge.
  • the heated tool
  • a rod 401 made typically of a high heat conductive material, such as aluminum, joined to an insulated handle 402 by a threaded support 403.
  • a threaded support 403. For convenient access to the area to be repaired, an angled surface 404 at the end of the rod 401 is machined, and for further convenience and adaptability to many cartridge designs, a relief near the end 405 in the shape of the rod 401 is provided to further allow reaching into the cartridge cavity.
  • the use of an aluminum block (not shown) within the heater assembly 104, placed in close thermal contact with the platen 113, with a hole machined into the platen's 113 side for receiving the heated tool 400, will heat said tool and properly maintain the temperature for spot heating the seal/adhesive combination to the cartridge surface to correct any leaks.
  • the apparatus described in FIG. 1 may be used to seal a cartridge with a pressure sensitive coated seal by simply not heating the platen, together with a minor adjustment in the placement of the seal onto the cartridge sealing surface.
  • PSA pressure sensitive adhesive
  • the apparatus described in FIG. 1 may be used to seal a cartridge with a pressure sensitive coated seal by simply not heating the platen, together with a minor adjustment in the placement of the seal onto the cartridge sealing surface.
  • a rubber, foam plastic, felt or similar deformable product may be used on the surface of the preferred platen design, or even a flat platen, to press against the PSA coated seal.
  • many of the means developed for pressing the insertion tool/seal combinations described in the 761, '674, '541, and '110 Patents, such as pressure pads or magnetic structures, are further methods of applying pressure to the PSA coated seal.
  • Other mechanisms may also replace the platen in this description, such as a substantially cylindrical roller rolled along the length of the seal to be attached to the cartridge, adhering the seal to the cartridge wherever roller pressure, adhesive and cartridge surface co-exist.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a typically preferred embodiment of a three-dimensional modification to heated insertion tools to generate multi-curved surfaces on the thin insertion tools used to practice the processes described in the 761, '674, '541, and '110 Patents, producing results analogous to the platen in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 is similar (in function) to FIG. 4 in U.S. Patent 5,370,761 but with the addition of solder pads of different surface shapes and heights. More specifically, the element numerals 40 through 45 are common elements in FIG. 5 in this application and FIG. 4 in U.S.
  • Patent 5,370,761 which are insertion tool 40 (shown with the bottom surface on top, for clarity of pad location and designs), blade 41, slit 42, highly conductive metal strips 43, terminals 44, and insulating handles 45.
  • Modified solder pads 46, 47 and 48 in FIG. 5 depict different height pads indicated by the line density patterns, in this case the lighter the line density, the lower the height.
  • low pads 46 might be 0.05 mm (2 mils) high
  • medium pads 48 might be 0.13 mm (5 mils) high
  • high pads 47 might be 0.2 mm (8 mils) high.
  • five pad cluster 49 is composed of three different heights, producing a "curved" surface when this portion of the blade is heated and presses on the seal and cartridge surface. With three-axis CNC milling machines, pads 46, 47, 48, and even 49 may have continuous curves on their surfaces for an even more precise match of blade shape to cartridge shape.
  • solder pads are effectively equal to the abrasion resistance of the metal particles, for example, the abrasion resistance of steel, copper, nickel or similar metal particles, which have far greater abrasion resistance than the lead and tin in low-temperature solder.
  • Higher abrasion resistance solders typically have much higher melting temperature that make them difficult to use as pads on the thin steel necessarily used for the insertion blades.
  • FIG. 1 shows that the heated platen that makes contact with the seal when the force to press the platen onto the seal is provided by actuating hold-down arm 109.
  • actuating hold-down arm 109 When inserting a seal, as taught in the aforementioned patents issued to Chitouras, and utilizing solder pads similar to pads 46 through 49 shown in FIG. 5, no such force exists unless externally supplied.
  • pressure is typically supplied with the use of magnetic forces supplied by various tools, such as shown in FIGS. 5, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the patent.
  • FIGS. 6 A and 6B To accomplish similar functions with insertion tools as shown in FIG. 5 in this application, and where no means of supplying magnetic means may be used because of the redesign of toner cartridges by the original equipment manufacturer so as to preclude their use, a preferred embodiment of a force actuator is shown in FIGS. 6 A and 6B.
  • FIG. 6A is a schematic representation of a preferred version of a pressure system 600 consisting of a bearing block 601 and pressure pin 604.
  • Front magnet 602 is shown, bearing upon the front surface of pressure pin 604, which rests within and slides along guide track 603. Not shown are additional magnet(s) supporting pressure pin 604 on its back surface.
  • Handle 605 is attached to pressure pin 604 to allow for the rotation of pressure pin 604 as well as for pushing/pulling foot 606 up and down to provide pressure against an insertion tool (not shown).
  • FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of this preferred version of a pressure system 600.
  • pressure system 600 consists of bearing support 601 supporting pressure pin 604 sliding or rotating within guide track 603 and supported by the use of various magnets, in this depiction consisting of two front magnets 602, one rear magnet 607, one top magnet 609 and one bottom magnet 608.
  • Front magnets 602 produce a relatively high friction force on pressure pin 604, and provide a firm vertical holding position in conjunction with rear magnet 607.
  • Top magnet 609 produces a downward force on pressure pin 604 and foot 606, even overcoming the friction force produced by front magnets 602 and rear magnet 607 on pressure pin 604 when handle 605 is within about one millimeter (0.040 in) of top magnet 609, thus producing a continual downward force on the insertion tool on which foot 606 is pressing.
  • Bottom magnet 608 can be effectively used to modulate or vary magnetic flux throughout the magnetic paths within pressure system 600 to affect frictional force, pull down force and vertical stability force of pressure pin 604, which can be overridden by thumb force pressure on front magnet 602.
  • a magnet may be replaced with a high magnetic permeability material, such as soft iron so as to bring about an additional control of the magnetic flux flow through bearing block 601, for example, to produce a precise vertical force on pressure pin 604.
  • foot 606 can be positioned in one direction to allow for its insertion within a cartridge being sealed and then rotated ninety degrees to provide proper forces against the insertion tool in order to provide proper sealing conditions for an inserted seal.
  • neodymium-iron-boron magnets about 12.7 mm (0.5 in) diameter and about five millimeter (0.2 in) in height, hold down forces of over about one kilogram (2.2 pounds) are readily generated and are also readily modified and controlled by magnetic strength selection and placement of the magnets.
  • This preferred embodiment of a pressure system eliminates large, cumbersome weights, hinges and springs which would otherwise be required and which would generally be more costly.

Abstract

Dans la présente invention, des dispositifs et des procédés consistent à diviser la cartouche, à placer la partie toner de la cartouche dans un porte-pièce pouvant comporter une rainure pour aligner avec précision la fermeture avec l'ouverture devant être fermée, ainsi qu'une platine chauffée (200) présentant une surface de contact formée de parties (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) qui sont courbes alors que d'autres peuvent être plates de sorte que, lorsque la platine est sous pression, cette dernière établit un contact intime avec la fermeture et ferme ainsi la cartouche de toner, avec une distorsion mineure de la cartouche qui n'est que temporaire. La conception non linéaire de la platine (200) permet d'utiliser le même appareil de fermeture pour plusieurs cartouches de toner de taille similaire, telles que celles référencées généralement comme les modèles de cartouche de toner 2100, 2300, 4000 et 4100. Il est possible d'utiliser une conception similaire tout en introduisant des joints étanches sans diviser la cartouche, pour ce faire on applique des languettes de soudure sur la lame de l'outil d'introduction et on usine les dimensions des segments pour qu'ils soient globalement identiques à la taille de la cartouche non divisée devant être fermée.
EP05798696A 2004-09-23 2005-09-22 Procede de fermeture de cartouches de toner ouvertes remises a neuf Withdrawn EP1799434A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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US61241904P 2004-09-23 2004-09-23
US64860805P 2005-01-31 2005-01-31
PCT/US2005/033904 WO2006034379A2 (fr) 2004-09-23 2005-09-22 Procede de fermeture de cartouches de toner ouvertes remises a neuf

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WO2006034379A3 (fr) 2006-08-17
WO2006034379A2 (fr) 2006-03-30

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